---
title: "West Ham hero Dean Ashton questions whether Nuno can win promotion"
canonical: "https://readwestham.com/2026/08/25/west-ham-hero-dean-ashton-questions-whether-nuno-can-win-promotion/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "West Ham News"
published: "2026-08-25T05:30:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-22T17:16:55Z"
---

# West Ham hero Dean Ashton questions whether Nuno can win promotion

**West Ham hero [Dean Ashton](https://readwestham.com/tag/dean-ashton/) has questioned whether Nuno Espírito Santo’s approach can deliver promotion, warning that the manager must adapt following a difficult start to the Championship season.**

West Ham have collected one point from their opening two league matches after surrendering a two-goal lead at Burnley and losing 2-1 against Charlton Athletic.

Speaking to [talkSPORT](https://talksport.com/football/4534825/west-ham-nuno-espirito-santo-warned-pressure-championship/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), Ashton argued that successful Championship sides typically control matches through possession, questioning whether Nuno’s usual approach suits those demands.

“Nuno is not that manager,” Ashton said.

The former West Ham striker believes Nuno must adjust his methods or risk a difficult campaign, with supporters expecting an immediate return to the Premier League.

> Nuno reacts to today's defeat.
>
> — West Ham United (@WestHam) [August 22, 2026](https://x.com/WestHam/status/2091216831918776676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Dean Ashton highlights two West Ham weaknesses

Ashton also identified central defence and midfield as areas requiring improvement before the transfer window closes.

“I think West Ham are short in terms of quality, that’s for sure,” he said.

His assessment reflects West Ham’s reported recruitment plans, with [four positions identified for potential signings](https://readwestham.com/2026/08/24/west-ham-target-four-signings-as-nuno-identifies-priority-positions/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) before September 1.

A centre-back remains a priority, with [Victor Nelsson offered to West Ham](https://readwestham.com/2026/08/24/west-ham-offered-victor-nelsson-as-two-centre-back-signings-considered/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) as the club assess defensive reinforcements.

However, Saturday’s defeat also complicates Ashton’s argument about possession.

West Ham controlled 77.6 per cent of the ball and registered 25 shots against Charlton, yet conceded twice and failed to take their chances. [ReadWestHam’s analysis of the defeat](https://readwestham.com/2026/08/23/west-hams-25-shot-defeat-exposes-costly-flaw-nuno-must-fix/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) highlighted problems in both penalty areas.

Ashton nevertheless warned that “the pressure will mount so quickly” if results do not improve.

[Nuno has already acknowledged the pressure](https://readwestham.com/2026/08/23/nuno-admits-he-feels-under-pressure-after-west-ham-defeat/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) after the Charlton loss, although there is no credible indication that his position is currently under immediate threat.

The Portuguese coach previously won promotion with Wolves and has an opportunity to improve the mood when West Ham visit Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.